Bruins host youth hockey program at Taunton rink

Thursday

TAUNTON – Some of the tykes on ice taking part in last Saturday’s training session at Theodore Aleixo Skating Rink could be the next Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieux.

But even if they don’t become professional hockey players, by the time they finish their four-week instructional program they will have at least learned the basics of playing hockey.

“Who doesn’t like being on ice?” said Al Ramsay, who is one of a group of volunteer coaches with the Mansfield-based Tri-County Saints Youth Hockey association.

Ramsay, who lives in Freetown, is originally from Prince Edward Island in Canada, where hockey is part of the popular culture.

The four-week, Saturday morning instructional program is being hosted by the Boston Bruins — which previously received assistance in terms of equipment and hockey gear from Holliston-based retailer Pure Hockey.

This is the second year Bruins Academy Learn to Play is being held in Taunton.

The Bruins organization says it is donating $2.5 million worth of equipment this year through the program.

This is the second year the instructional program — which is for children age 4 to 9 — has been held at the Taunton rink.

“We teach the ABC’s,” said Ramsay, 39, which he says covers balance, agility and coordination.

As many as 60 children, including some girls, were on the ice Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. as their parents and guardians watched from the sidelines.

“I love the stations and the one-on-one attention in a group setting,” said Ryan Brogna of Middleboro.

Parents who enroll their children in Bruins Academy Learn to Play pay $100 — which covers the cost of all four Saturday sessions, as well as a set of skates and hockey equipment.

“It’s a good deal,” said Brogna, whose 4-year-old son was on the ice getting pointers.

“We usually buy equipment at thrift shops to save money,” the father of four said.

One of the volunteers on the ice imparting hockey knowledge was former Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft.

Ramsay said students and coaches from Taunton High School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School aand Mansfield High School have volunteered to provide instruction and expertise.

The six practice "stations," or drills, utilized by the children and coaches were concentrated on puck handling, stick control, reflexes and coordination and skating velocity.